December is Here! Tips for Staying Healthy During the Final Month of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sleigh bells are ringing, snowflakes are falling and…a lot of people seem to be sniffling and sneezing just a bit more than usual. Unfortunately, winter is the most common time of year to feel under the weather, but you’re not powerless against the bugs that are circulating around the Northern Hemisphere. By adjusting your daily habits just slightly, you can increase your resistance to colds and flus alike.

Check out these guidelines and stay healthy this winter season – no matter which Capital Senior Living community you live in!

Take up a new hobby. Finding a new hobby can make short winter days feel so much more rewarding. Spring Meadows Naperville in Naperville, IL offers regular group outings to sporting events and Whitcomb House in Milford, MA is known for its fun-filled wine and paint sessions.

For Seniors Who Live in Warmer Climates

If your senior living community is south of the Mason-Dixon — such as Cottonwood Village in Cottonwood, AZ; Veranda Club in Boca Raton, FL; or The Waterford on Huebner in San Antonio, TX — winter is the perfect time to escape the heat! But make sure you follow these recommendations to stay in top form all season long.

Start a walking routine. This time of year is ideal for enjoying brisk outdoor walks without the risk of overheating. Many of our communities offer courtyards and boast beautifully manicured grounds to stroll.

Drink plenty of water. This is especially important if you’re spending more time exercising than usual. Add a squeeze of lime or sliced cucumbers to mix things up a bit.

Participate in a new activity. Taking part in a regular group function can do wonders for your mood. The Waterford at Columbia in Columbia, SC offers on-site musical performances, Villa Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA plans outings to popular local dining destinations, and The Park – Oak Grove in Roanoke, VA puts on seminars covering a variety of topics, including wellness and smart investing. Reach out to your senior living community to see what opportunities are available.

Important Reminders for Residents Every Region

Some advice is so solid, it applies to everyone. Regardless of where you live, follow these suggestions from Thanksgiving through St. Patrick’s Day.

Maintain a well-rounded diet. It is notoriously difficult to eat nutritiously during the holiday season, but eating plenty of fruits and veggies can go a long way in making you feel energized and satisfied. During potluck dinners, scale down your dessert and alcohol intake and instead fill most of your plate with salad, fresh fruits and whole grains. Capital Senior Living residents always have an array of healthy and hearty food selections available for every meal.

Be safe when preparing food. Helping out with the holiday meal? Make sure to thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables, keep raw meat separate from other foods, and cook poultry to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t skimp on sleep. Shoot for at least seven hours per night. If you have trouble drifting off, try putting a ban on bright electronic screens an hour before bed, or invest in a white noise machine.

Don’t spread yourself too thin. Never feel pressured to attend every event you’re invited to. Being overwhelmed by social obligations can lower your immunity against diseases. If you don’t feel up to a party, decline politely and spare yourself the guilt trip.

Wash your hands often. Always wash up after using the restroom and before sitting down for a meal. Social butterflies who are constantly on the go should consider buying travel-size hand sanitizer for their purse or glove compartment.

Always keep a pen or pencil on hand. Shared pens at the bank, the doctor’s office and restaurants can be loaded with bacteria. Carry your own writing utensil with you at all times to avoid unnecessary contact with potentially harmful germs.

Get a flu shot. Flu shots are a must for many schoolchildren, but they’re also a fantastic option for health-conscious seniors. Many nationwide pharmacy brands, including CVS, Walgreens and Target, offer a range of immunizations at affordable prices.

Go to the doctor when you need to. Sometimes, a prescription is the only thing that will get you back on track. If you have a persistent fever or cough, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain or vomiting, make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can.

This website contains information, facts, opinions and recommendations of various individuals and organizations regarding senior care, health, nutrition and exercise. Capital Senior Living and its affiliates, agents and licensors cannot, and do not, guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of, or otherwise endorse, any opinions or recommendations, nor does Capital Senior Living constitute the giving of medical, health or fitness advice. Users of the website must consult their physicians regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to their conditions.